Falmouth graduate lands Guardian cover story

This month, Press & Editorial Photography graduate, Philippa Kelly secured the front page of the Guardian’s Saturday magazine with her project on 100 centenarians’ 100 tips for a life well lived.   

For the story, Philippa spoke to 100 centenarians, from across the globe, to find out their advice on living a fulfilling life. Tips included everything for the importance of staying curious, having a sense of humour, dancing while you still can, and treating yourself to a daily sherry! As well as making the front page of the print edition, the online article was among the top 10 most read of the day on the Guardian’s website. 

Asked about the project, Philippa said: “It was a Guardian Saturday magazine editor who first had the idea for this story, and who kindly offered me the opportunity to be part of it. I then spent six months tracking down and interviewing centenarians based all over the world and gathering their advice for a long and happy life. Through this lengthy but fascinating process we aimed to create a feature that was both inspiring and joyful — something which, via the words of the 100 centenarians, I’m proud to say I believe we achieved.” 

Since graduating from Falmouth in 2014, Philippa has gone on to complete a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism before working as a staff writer for the British Journal of Photography. As well as writing for the Guardian, Philippa’s work has been published in the Radio Times and Museum Journal. 

When asked about her career trajectory, Philippa told us: “I started work on the project not long after completing my master’s degree, which provided me with amazing experience and the practical skills needed to begin a career in journalism. However, many of these skills — media law and ethics, news judgement and interviewing — were initially developed during my time studying BA Press & Editorial Photography at Falmouth. The course gave me a strong understanding of the media landscape and a solid eye for a story, both of which helped set me on the path to journalism, and which continue to serve me well today.” 

Gretchen Viehmann, Course Leader of Press & Editorial Photography, said: “What is particularly interesting about Philippa’s trajectory is that her focus has shifted to writing alongside her interest in photography. Having strong writing skills is something students on the course come away with, which really helps them in the 'real' world. Photographers who can write and who have many strings to their bow are a valuable asset to the industry.” 

Philippa recently returned to Falmouth to deliver a writing workshop with second year Press & Editorial Photography students for their module in Cultural & Critical Contexts of News Editorial and Photojournalism. Philippa, along with her colleagues at The British Journal of Photography, are also involved with Press & Editorial Photography’s annual course trip to London, which focuses on an exhibition of student work at Oxford House in Bethnal Green.   

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